Chelsea close-in on Ashley Cole replacement

Chelsea are close to landing Atletico Madrid’s left-back Filipe Luis, which has raised further doubts in the future of Ashley Cole at the club, Metro reports.

Cole, 33, will be out of contract during the summer and is now considered back-up to Cesar Azpilicueta in the left-back role signalling that the Englishman could leave Stamford Bridge when the season ends.

The Blues have also been linked with a host of other left sided defenders such as Luke Shaw, but the hefty £30m price tag and intense competition have sent Mourinho looking for alternatives.

And while watching his side get knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, the Portuguese coach seems to be impressed with Brazilian left back Filipe Luis.

Reports suggest that the 28-year-old will be available for approximately £16.5m, as Mourinho is looking to raid the Spanish outfit for both Filipe as well as Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa.

The former Real Madrid boss has plans to overhaul the team during the summer, which could see the likes of Fernando Torres, David Luiz, Samuel Eto’o, and Demba Ba all leave the club.